Leaving Borland Saddle
The track starts on the south side of Borland Road at Borland Saddle and descends through low tussock country, two small lakes and low beech-covered saddles. Borland Bivvy is an early landmark; farther along, a junction leads toward Green Lake. Turn right there and continue past Island Lake through tussock clearings and bush to Clark Hut. The changing mix of open ground and forest gives this route its particular rhythm. DOC
From Clark Hut, a thirty-minute walk through a swampy clearing reaches historic Clark Hut. The two names mark separate huts in the same stretch of route: the track’s Clark Hut is the staging point for continuing onward, while the historic structure is an optional landmark nearby. Windfalls on the track can lengthen walking time, so progress may be slower than the listed duration. DOC
Across the Grebe to the lake
Beyond Clark Hut, the track follows the bush edge and crosses the Grebe River. It climbs to a saddle, then descends gently to Monowai Hut on the northern shore of Lake Monowai. The route links high saddle terrain to the lake margin, with opportunities for photography and fishing noted along the way. Monowai Hut has twelve bunks, heating and mattresses; its tap water is untreated and should be boiled. DOC
The listed outing is one way from Borland Saddle to Monowai Hut. You can return by the same track, or continue to Lake Monowai car park by combining with the Green Lake Track. The latter changes the endpoint, so it is a route choice rather than part of the stated distance. DOC
The road is part of the plan
Borland Saddle is reached by Borland Road, which climbs from near Borland Lodge. The road is unsealed, narrow and steep in places, and may be affected by slips, washouts, snow, ice, high winds or fallen trees. Conditions determine which vehicles can use it; campervans, caravans and trailers are unsuitable. There is no fuel, communications coverage or emergency service along its length, so the drive calls for proper equipment and a check of conditions. DOC
Choosing an approach
The Lake Monowai and Borland Road area is reached from Te Anau or Invercargill via the Southern Scenic Route. From Te Anau, the approach follows Te Anau-Mossburn Highway and Blackmount-Redcliff Road before turning onto Lake Monowai Road; from Invercargill, it runs via Clifden and Clifden-Blackmount Road. The track is advanced, and dogs are not allowed. DOC
Sources & further reading
Sources, dates, or details to query? Read our editorial approach.
